AAEQ vs VYM
AAEQ vs VYM
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $491M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 355 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.03% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AAEQ vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.03% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and VYM share 150 holdings out of 753 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAEQ | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.85% | 6.47% | 3.62% |
| JPM:US | 1.67% | 3.36% | 1.69% |
| XOM | 1.12% | 2.83% | 1.71% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AAEQ shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or VYM?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and VYM?
AAEQ and VYM share 150 common holdings with a 32.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 753 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or VYM?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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